Justin R. Lappen, MD (Moderator)
Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine; Assistant Director, Residency Program, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals, Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
Jennifer L. Bailit, MD, MPH
Associate Professor of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine; Physician Executive Director, Women and Children’s Patient Care Unit, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
Susan E. Gerber, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Assistant Director, Residency Program; Medical Director, Labor and Delivery, Northwestern University Medical School, Prentice Woman’s Hospital and Maternity Center, Chicago, Illinois
After completing this activity, the physician should be better able to:
| 1. |
Discuss the pharmacologic and biologic properties of oxytocin that serve as guiding principles for its use in modern obstetric practice. |
| 2. |
Discuss principles guiding the initiation, administration, and monitoring of oxytocin in labor induction/augmentation and in the third stage of labor. |
| 3. |
Characterize safety thresholds for the use of oxytocin, including for women attempting trial of labor after cesarean section (TOLAC). |
| 4. |
Review the literature on oxytocin protocols, including high- versus low-dose protocols and active management of labor. |
| 5. |
Describe the rationale for and importance of uniform, evidence-based oxytocin protocols and their impact on patient safety. |
| 6. |
Identify strategies to improve patient safety and decrease oxytocin misuse. |
